Five different goal-scorers help the Ice Owls past the Chargers

Pete Paguaga, Sports Editor-
For the second time this season the Southern Ice Owls took on intercity rival, University of New Haven. The first meeting ended in a tie after New Haven scored with seconds left in regulation. This time around would be completely different.
After the Ice Owls survived the first period, keeping it at a 2-2 tie, they proceeded to pour it on the Chargers, scoring six goals in the second period and adding three more in the third period to win convincingly 11-4.

“We had a disappointing start, not the momentum we wanted going into next weekend,” said Head Coach Steve Novador. “We stressed that they needed to pick it up.”
The first period started off with the Ice Owls scoring first, on a goal by Joey Barnes with assists by Rob Talloni and Officer Joe D’Amato. The Chargers would score on a power play and then right after at even strength to take a 2-1 lead.
After the Chargers took the lead, they came down on a break away, but goaltender Ryan Eglinton made a glove save to keep the game within one goal.
“Eglinton made a huge stop on the break away shot,” said Coach Novador.
Matt D’Amato would add a goal, to tie the game going into the second period, on assists by Pete BonTempo and Joe Innamorato.
“We know where each other is going to be on the ice,” said Matt D’Amato on him and Innamorato assisting each other’s goals.

After the first period, Coach Novador said he gave a speech and the team responded.
Mike Federico took over in the net for Eglinton in the second period in a premeditated move.
“We needed to make sure ‘Feds got some shots on him before we go to regionals just in case we need him,” said Novador.
The Ice Owls would own the second period, tallying six goals in the period to the Chargers’ one goal. Kyle Amarone, Barnes, and a hat trick by Innamorato scored goals in the period.
Assistant coach Jake Bauer credits the fans with helping the team pick it up in the second period.
“Nice to see the fans, helped to get the team going,” said Bauer.
The third period was more of the same, as the Ice Owls tacked on three more goals; one by Mike Dubecky assisted by Greg Ziko and Sam Brown. Innamorato added two, as he scored five goals in the game, which is a season high.
Innamorato and Matt D’Amato, who are both West Haven natives, were happy to be back playing in the rink they played high school hockey in.
“It felt good scoring five goals at home,” said Innamorato. “It was a combo of both having a good game and playing at my home rink.”
“It was awesome,” said Matt D’Amato. “Nothing like playing back at Bennett.”

Other then Innamorato and D’Amato having big games, coach Novador liked the way Joey Barnes played.
“Joey Barnes, I liked the way he has picked up his game in the last three to four games,” said Novador, “since he has played with Rosenkrantz and Amarone.”
Up next for the Ice Owls is the Atlantic Regional Tournament in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The top two teams in the tournament clinch spots in the National Tournament. After the regional tournament is the Empire Collegiate Hockey Conference tournament. Keep tabs on your Ice Owls as they compete for a spot in Nationals by following them at www.pointstreak.com.